September 2013
Thurgoona and Wirlinga
Community
Understanding &
Knowledge of
Biodiversity
Dr Shelby Gull Laird
Dr Rosemary Black
Charles Sturt University
Institute for Land, Water and Society
School of Environmental Sciences
Abstract
The Thurgoona and Wirlinga region of New South Wales is expected to grow to over
50,000 people in the next 30 years. This growth will mean that the area will
transition from a rural setting to a more urban environment. The associated changes
will impact biodiversity and available habitat, particularly for key threatened species.
This shift from more open grassland to suburban housing with fenced and
manicured lawns means that many species will be confined to habitat in planned
corridors and reserves.
This research project collected and summarized baseline data about how the
Thurgoona and Wirlinga community residents understand and value biodiversity in
their own neighbourhoods. The ability to explore community knowledge and
attitudes about biodiversity and conservation before projects or education
initiatives are conducted (and in this case before population growth) is a rare one.
This baseline data could ultimately lead to more effective on the ground projects
that take into consideration local values and target increases in local knowledge on
biodiversity.
Prepared for: Albury Conservation Company
CONTACT
Dr Shelby Gull Laird
Dr Rosemary Black
Charles Sturt University
Institute for Land, Water and
Society
School of Environmental
Sciences
Ph:02 6051 9764
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
P.O. Box 789
ALBURY NSW 2640
AUSTRALIA
www.csu.edu.au/research/ilws
Background
The Thurgoona and Wirlinga area has been identified as having important conservation values and there is a need to
balance urban development while protecting and enhancing threatened species and their habitats (Albury-Wodonga
Development Corporation, 2004). The Thurgoona and Wirlinga population is projected to grow to over 50,000 people in
the next 30 years (RPS, 2012). This growth will mean that the area will transition from a peri-urban to urban
environment. The associated changes will impact biodiversity and available habitat, particularly for key threatened
species such as the squirrel glider. This shift from more open grassland to suburban housing with fenced and
manicured lawns means that many species will be confined to habitat in planned corridors and reserves.
Looking at neighbourhoods with varying levels of urban development has allowed researchers (Smallbone, Luck &
Wassens, 2011) to show the relationship between various species in southeastern Australia and level of urbanization
and socio-economic levels in different neighbourhoods. Smallbone, Luck and Wassens (2011) found that resident’s
socio-economic status greatly influenced the vegetation cover in a neighbourhood, and therefore the quality of habitat
for species such as amphibians. Carefully placed nest boxes are commonly used to increase suitable habitat for sugar
gliders and squirrel gliders in urban areas (Durant, Luck & Matthews, 2009), particularly when paired with specific
vegetation and over time. Although habitat area could be increased through targeted native landscaping or nest boxes
placed in gardens these sorts of strategies require community engagement and residents’ understanding of the
importance of biodiversity. Research suggests that socio-economic factors can influence vegetation levels and
biodiversity in neighbourhoods through time. Understanding temporal and socio-economic relationships through the
processes of urban development can help to increase vegetation habitat in neighbourhoods (Luck, Smallbone &
Sheffield, 2012). Luck et al. also suggest that a greater “Understanding [of] the complex interactions among the
natural, built and socio-economic characteristics of urban neighbourhoods, and householder behaviour, is important to
achieving successful conservation outcomes in urban areas and improving neighbourhoods for both human and nonhuman residents.” (2012, p.9). This understanding of socio-economic factors influencing biodiversity and conservation
outcomes is crucial in a world that is becoming increasingly urbanized.
This study provided a unique opportunity to obtain a baseline set of data about how the Thurgoona and Wirlinga
community understands and values biodiversity in their own neighbourhoods. The ability to explore community
knowledge and values about biodiversity and conservation before projects, education initiatives or other interventions
are conducted (and in this case before population growth) is a rare. The baseline data presented in this report may
lead to more effective on the ground projects that take into consideration residents’ knowledge, values and behaviours.
Methods
In the initial funding application to the Albury Conservation Company (ACC) the researchers proposed an online survey
of residents in the Thurgoona and Wirlinga area (Figure 1). Residents would have been advised of the survey by a
mailed postcard and then follow up postcards would have been sent to all residents. Following the funding approval the
researchers decided that an online survey would not be suitable for this sample for a number of reasons: this method
would exclude households without the Internet and elderly people not familiar with computers and the Internet, and it
would be too difficult to expect residents to take the postcard information and then complete the online survey. The
researchers decided that a paper postal survey would be more appropriate for this sample.
Ethics approval was sought and gained for this research from the CSU Human Ethics Committee for both the online
survey and later for the variation to use a postal survey.
2
Figure 1: Census Districts of Thurgoona and Wirlinga Study Area (Image: Google Earth 2013)
Survey questions were developed based on the Luck, Davidson, Boxall and Smallbone (2011) study, standardized
instruments to determine people’s relationship with nature and other demographic data that could relate to their
knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards conservation issues. Draft surveys were distributed and pilot tested with
a number of local conservation experts, employees of the ACC and other researchers. Changes were made to some
survey questions and then they were pilot tested with 8 local Thurgoona residents and employees of the ACC. Once
the survey questions had been finalised a survey booklet was designed and printed. Considerable effort was made to
ensure the survey looked professional and interesting to the potential respondents with a photograph on the front cover
of the survey (see Appendix A). The survey was accompanied by a covering letter addressed to the Resident (see
Appendix B). As an incentive to complete the survey, survey respondents could opt to go into a draw for one of five
$50.00 Woolworth vouchers. They could also volunteer to do a face to face interview following completion of the
survey. If the respondents decided to go into the prize draw or volunteer to be interviewed they needed to provide their
names and contact details. In these cases it was made clear in the survey that their names and contact details would
be destroyed once the prize had been drawn and interviews completed. 1,988 surveys were distributed to all
households in Thurgoona and Wirlinga by a private distribution service. Surveys were not delivered to houses that
displayed ‘No junk mail’ which may account for approximately about 106 households, or 5.1% of all households.
Surveys were distributed to all households in 13 ABS Statistical Areas (1117201-204,206, 209-212, 221, 223, 227,
228) (see Figure 1). It should be noted that survey respondents self selected to complete the survey and the sample of
respondents may not be representative of the population of Thurgoona and Wirlinga.
The survey data was analysed using R version 2.15.0 and descriptive statistics created. Pearson’s correlation
coefficients were calculated to determine potential relationships between various data collected.
Ten follow up semi-structured interviews were undertaken by the two researchers. Interviewees were randomly
selected from the pool of volunteers from the survey. Interview questions (see Appendix C) were developed based on
an analysis of the three open ended questions in the survey. Key topics and issues were identified from the survey
results and selected for further exploration in the interviews. Interviews were conducted face to face and lasted 30
minutes to one hour in length. The interview questions focused on issues around why the interviewees had moved to
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the Thurgoona area and why they thought others had moved there, why they thought many survey respondents had
indicated that there is a need to protect biodiversity for future generations as well as for plants and animals, if they
were aware of any local organisations that help protect biodiversity and the role of the Council, is there a way of
balancing conservation and development, what they thought of the projected population increase in Thurgoona and
Wirlinga to 50,000 over the next 50 years and what they thought they could personally do about the impact of
development on biodiversity. The interview data were manually analysed using content analysis and identification of
key issues and topics. It should be noted that the interviewees self selected to complete the survey and agreed to be
interviewed. The interviewees may not be representative of the Thurgoona and Wirlinga population.
Key findings
Three hundred residents of Thurgoona and Wirlinga completed the survey. This represents a 15.1% response rate
from the 1,988 surveys distributed. There were a total of 4622 residents over the age of 18 in the area of the study
during the 2011 census (ABS, 2011a; ABS, 2011b), with approximately 2094 households in this area at the time of the
census.
Age
As can be seen from Figure 2, 43% of the respondents were in the 50-69 age group. The majority of respondents were
over 30 years old (94%). Estimated numbers from ABS (2011a; 2011b) for Thurgoona alone indicate that actual
population percentages of Thurgoona and Wirlinga combined from 2011 are 1137 (24.5%) 18-29, 1886 (40.8%) 30-49,
1224 (26.5%) 50-69, and 375 (8.1%) over 70 for a total of 4622 people over the age of 18 years. These data show that
our sample is a biased towards older residents. This result may reflect a number of factors such as elderly people may
have been more likely to respond to a paper survey, were interested in the survey topic and/or had more time to
complete the survey. It is possible that the 18-29 year olds in the sample were Charles Sturt University students who
rent in the area.
Figure 2: Age groups of survey respondents (n=297).
Gender
As shown in Figure 3 the majority of respondents were female (65%). This sample represents a greater number of
females than in the Thurgoona and Wirlinga population over 18 overall, which is 53.4% female, 46.6% male (ABS,
2011a; ABS, 2011b)
4
Figure 3: Gender of survey respondents (n=296).
Country of birth
Respondents were asked their country of birth. Eighty six percent were born in Australia, 8% born in the UK, and small
numbers born in Asia, New Zealand, South Africa, North and South America and Europe. In the Thurgoona and
Wirlinga area, 87.6 % of residents were born in Australia, closely aligning with this survey sample (ABS, 2011a; ABS,
2011b).
Figure 4: Country of birth of survey respondents (n=295).
Education level
Twenty five percent held a Certificate or Diploma, 20% held a Bachelor’s degree, 18% had Year 11 or below education,
10% a Trade qualification, 9% had reached Year 12, 9% postgraduate qualification and 8% held a graduate certificate
or diploma. Thirty seven percent of the respondents held Bachelor’s degree, postgraduate qualification or graduate
certificate or diploma. Comparative census data are not available in the same categories as this question.
5
Figure 5: Education level of survey respondents (n=293).
Compostion of household
All the respondent households had an adult. Figure 6 shows the number of households that indicated they have
children or own the type of pet or livestock listed. 37.5% of responding households have one or more children and
48.8% of households have one or more dogs. 2011 ABS Census data (2011a; 2011b) show that 846 of 2094
households (40.4%) in Thurgoona and Wirlinga had children under 15 in the home, slightly more than the survey
sample. Various pets are common in the area according to respondents, including cats, birds and fish.
Figure 6: Households with children and pets (n=291).
Residency Period
Respondents were asked how many years had lived in their current house.
14% less than one year, 33% for 1-5 years, 21% 6-10 years and 32% more than ten years.
6
Figure 7: Length of time of residence in Thurgoona and/or Wirlinga (n=294).
Home Ownership
Respondents were asked if they rented or owned their current residence. As shown in Figure 8, 87% owned their own
home and 13% rented their current residence.
Figure 8: Survey respondents who rent or own their residence (n=291).
Question 1
The first set of questions in the survey asked about the respondents’ conservation behaviours. The first question asked
the respondents what conservation activity or activities they had participated in the past fortnight. They could select as
many behaviours as applicable. As shown in Figure 9, 96% had separate garbage for recycling, 77% had observed
birds in their garden/property, 72% had saved electricity, 59% had provided water for the birds, 56% had collected and
used rainwater, 52% had composted, 38% had planted native trees and bushes in their garden, and 26% had
consciously chosen to walk/cycle or take public transport to reduce greenhouse emissions (Figure 9).
Other activities that fewer respondents mentioned were actively constraining their cat from roaming at night and
donating or volunteering for a conservation group. No respondents had observed non-pet animals in their
garden/property, though the open ended questions later in the survey indicate that some respondents who live on large
properties did observe native wildlife on their properties such as kangaroos.
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100.00%
Conservation Behaviour Participation
90.00%
n=294
80.00%
70.00%
60.00%
50.00%
40.00%
30.00%
20.00%
10.00%
Collected and used rainwater
Volunteered for conservation or
environmental groups
Donated to conservation or
environmental groups
Composted
Saved electricity
Planted native trees and bushes in
your garden
Actively constrained your cat(s) from
roaming at night
Observed (non-pet) animals in your
garden / property.
Observed birds in your garden /
property.
Consciously chose to walk / cycle or
take public transport to reduce
greenhouse emissions
Provided water for birds
Separated garbage for recycling
0.00%
Figure 9: Responses to Question 1 (n=294).
Respondents who indicated that they had observed birds (77%) or non-pet animals in their garden (37%) were asked
to list the three most frequent sightings. The listings were quite extensive and reflect a wide variety of types of birds
and animals known to residents of Thurgoona and Wirlinga. Various names were given for different birds and animals,
so each of those listed in
8
Table 1 and Table 2 was grouped together. Original names and spellings are left in the answers with more technical
common names are given in brackets if known. The most common birds identified are indicated in Table 1 were
Magpies, Willy Wagtails and Wrens as a group. Galahs, parrots, pigeons and rosellas were all identified by at least
10% of participants. Of the animals observed in gardens listed in Table 2, lizards, frogs and rabbits were the most
common. Even though participants were instructed not to include pets in their observations, cats belonging to other
people or feral cats were observed quite commonly.
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Table 1: Birds listed by survey participants as observed in their garden. The three most frequent observations are noted in red
highlight, with the total of all subgroups given in brackets. Additional large quantity responses are given in bold.
Bird Name Listed
More specific name
Number
observed
Bird Name Listed
More specific name
Number
observed
Birds (general)
8
29 (38)
Blackbirds
38
Cockatoos
7 (8)
Pigeons
Crested pigeons /
Top Notch Pigeons
Sparrow pigeons
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos
1
Wood pigeons
7
1
1
24 (37)
5
Rosellas
Crimson rosellas /
Yellow rosellas
Eastern rosellas /
White-faced rosellas
Eastern Shriketit
5 (10)
Sparrows
43
Black ducks
1
Starlings (European)
13
Wild ducks
2
Swallows
4 (6)
Wood ducks
2
Crows
3
Currawong
3
Doves
16 (21)
Turtle doves
Ducks
Eagles
Welcome swallows
Woodswallows
(Dusky woodswallow)
2 (4)
Fantail eagles
(Wedge-tailed eagles)
Sea eagles
8
5
1
1
1
1
Unana bird
1
1
Wattle birds
2
9 (11)
Willy Wagtails
51
Blue Finch
(Superb Fairy-wren)
1
Wrens
21 (62)
Firetail Finch
1
Finch
Galahs
41
Hawks
1
Honeyeaters
12 (16)
Blue-eye honeyeater
1
Kurrawong honeyeater
1
Regent honeyeater
1
White-plumed honeyeater
1
Kites
2
Kookaburras
16
Lorikeets
2 (4)
Rainbow Lorikeets
34
4
3
2
Magpies
136
Miner(minor) birds (Noisy Miner)
Indian Mynar birds
(Indian Mynah)
Jimmy Minors
5 (8)
Mudlarks/ Peewees (Magpie Lark)
31
Owl
1
Parrots
Blue Wrens
(Superb Fairy-wrens)
Fairy Wrens
(Superb Fairy-wrens)
Jenny Wrens
(Superb Fairy-wrens)
2
1
31 (47)
Grass Parrots / Redrumped Parrot / Parakeets
Marg parrot
13
1
SC parrots
1
Swift parrot
1
Turquoise parrot
1
10
Table 2:Animals listed by survey participants as observed in their garden. The three most frequent observations are noted in red
highlight, with the total of all subgroups given in brackets. *Participants were asked to list non-pet animals, but for one noted
category, cats, it is assumed those observed do not belong to the owner but were instead cats of others seen wandering in their
garden. A more technical common name is given in brackets, if possible.
Animal Name Listed
Different name
Number
observed
Ants
4 (5)
Bull ants
1
Bats
1
Bees
2
Beetles
1
Ladybeetle
1
Butterflies
4
Cats
12 (19) *
Cat, someone else’s
5
Feral Cat
2
Slashed Caterpillar
1
Cows
3
Crickets
2
Dogs
1 (2)
Dog, someone else’s
1
Echidnas
4
Fox
7
Frogs
27
Horse
2
Kangaroos (Eastern Grey)
11
Legless Lizards
1
Lizards
26 (50)
Blue Tongue Lizards
(Eastern Blue Tongue)
Bobtail Lizards
(Shingleback Lizard)
Gecko
Goanna (Lace Monitor)
8
1
8
1
Skink
Bogong High Plains Moth (Bogong
Moth)
Mouse
6
Possums
5
Praying Mantis
1
Rabbits
29 (33)
Hares
1
4
4
Sheep
2
Snails
2
Snakes
4 (7)
Brown Snake
Waipsnake
(Yellow-faced Whip
snake)
2
1
Spiders
4
Worms
1
11
Question 2
In the second question the respondents were given a list of conservation tools and resources available to them at their
current residence such as shower timer, solar electric panels, Austalian plants, nest boxes, and insulation in the ceiling.
They were asked which of these items or tools they were using in their home. They could select as many as applicable.
As shown in Figure 10, 92% had insulation in the ceiling, 83% used enegy efficient compact flourescent light globes,
76% had Australian plants in their garden, 62% had a water efficient shower head, 56% had a vegetable garden, 56%
a rainwater tank, 51% had fruit trees, 48% a compost bin/area, 22% solar panels, 13% shower timer, 11% bird nest
boxes and 8% had a solar hot water system.
100.00%
Conservation Behaviour Tools and Resources
90.00%
n=296
80.00%
70.00%
60.00%
50.00%
40.00%
30.00%
20.00%
10.00%
Insulation in the ceiling
Energy-efficient compact fluorescent light
globes
Nest boxes Bats
Nest boxes Birds
Nest boxes, mammals
Compost bin / area
Australian plants
Fruit trees
Vegetable garden
Solar electricity panels
Solar hot water heater
Shower timer
Water efficient shower head
Rainwater tank(s)
0.00%
Figure 10: Responses to Question 2 (n=296).
Question 3
The respondents were then asked on a scale of 1-5 (1 = very unimportant and 5 = very important) to rate which of the
conservation behaviours they felt were most important, which reflects their values and attitudes towards each
behaviour. As seen in Figure 10 the conservation behaviours considered the most important were recycling, saving
electricity, water conservation and planting low water use plants. Behaviours considered somewhat important were
composting, growing your own food, buying locally sourced food, and buying locally made products. Buying organic
food was considered somewhat unimportant.
12
How important is each behaviour?
n=298
5
4.5
4
3.5
Using transport other than a car
Saving electricty
Water conservation
Buying locally made products
Buying organic food
Low-water use planting
Buying locally sourced food
1.5
Growing some of your own food
2
Composting
2.5
Recycling
3
1
Figure 11: Responses to Question 3 which indicates values and attitudes towards conservation behaviour (n=298).
Question 4
In this question, respondents were asked to identify each animal as being native or introduced and additionally if it was
rare or threatened. As is indicated in Table 3, most respondents gave the correct answers for each question, with
some species much easier to identify than others.
Table 3: Question 4 Answers, Fauna. Bold indicates “correct” choice.
Native to
Australia
Brush-tailed possum
(n=262)
Fox
(n=274)
Kangaroo
(n=285)
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
(n=280)
Squirrel Glider
(n=266)
Rabbit
(n=283)
Wallaby
(n=272)
Sloane’s Froglet
(n=251)
Eastern Rosella
(n=279)
Introduced /
Non-native
Rare or
Threatened
Unknown /
Don’t Know
231
1
30
42
17
247
1
16
280
2
5
8
248
8
8
33
204
7
104
42
20
262
5
8
256
2
17
21
89
9
53
153
246
3
12
32
13
Kookaburra
(n=285)
Regent Honeyeater
(n=271)
Swift Parrot
(n=272)
278
3
6
8
203
1
90
62
151
7
52
117
Question 5
Respondents were asked how many different types of native birds they thought lived in theThurgoona and Wirlinga
area. Forty five percent said 11-30 birds, 34% 31-100, 8% 101 or more birds. There are more than 101 native bird
species living in the area.
Figure 12: Residents’ estimated number of native bird species in the Thurgoona-Wirlinga area (n=282).
Question 6
Plants were also identified as being native or introduced and additionally if rare or threatened. From this question, one
row was removed from analysis because of the two common species exist that are casually called ‘Tussock Grass’.
That information is not shown in Table 4 below.
Table 4: Question 6 Answers, Flora. Bold indicates “correct” choice.
Native to
Australia
Hawthorn
(n=257)
Broom
(n=258)
Eucalyptus
(n=283)
Bottlebrush
(n=287)
Rose
(n=274)
Wattle
(n=281)
Lavender
(n=273)
Grevillea
(n=273)
Cotoneaster
(n=266)
Introduced /
Non-native
Rare or
Threatened
Unknown /
Don’t Know
10
118
1
131
42
87
1
132
279
1
2
6
277
6
2
7
16
244
0
18
274
4
2
6
21
234
0
25
195
36
0
50
18
78
0
174
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Question 7
In this question, respondents were to identify landscape features that are beneficial for wildlife in order to assess their
knowledge of these landscape features. The majority of respondents have a good idea of what landscape features are
helpful for wildlife, although these issues can sometimes be confusing given that scientists may argue about which
landscape features are important for specific plants and wildlife. Many roadside strips have been left in Thurgoona, but
as is indicated here, only slightly more than half of respondents indicated these areas are important for native plants
and animals.
Figure 13: Landscape Features Important for native plants & animals (n=273).
Question 8
Part 3 of the survey included questions that aimed to understand the respondents’ connection to nature.
In Question 8 they were provided with seven different pictures that depicted two circles, one was a ‘nature circle’ and
the other circle was a ‘self circle’. The seven pictures ranged from the two circles not touching to the two circles
completely overlapping. The respondents were asked to circle the picture that best described their relationship with the
natural environment and how interconnected they were with nature. As shown in Figure 14: Inclusion of Nature in Self
(INS) scale of respondents (n=284). The average score was 4.39 which indicates that they felt slightly more connected
to nature than they felt disconnected.
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Figure 14: Inclusion of Nature in Self (INS) scale of respondents (n=284).
Question 9
Question 9 provided the respondents with six statements about their relationship to nature. They were asked to rate the
statements on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 was strongly disagree and 5 meant strongly agree. They were asked to
respond based on their feelings, rather than how they thought ‘most people’ feel.
Figure 15: Nature Relatedness (NR) of respondents including overall average (n=295).
Figure 15 presents the average responses to the statements. Many people agreed that ‘they took notice of wildlife
wherever they were’ (4.42), the average for the statement ‘I always think about how my actions affect the environment
was 4.04, and the average for ‘my relationship to nature is an important part of who I am’ was 3.81. The average for
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the statement ‘I feel very connected to all living things and the earth’ was 3.73. The lowest average score of 3.23 was
for the statement ‘my ideal holiday spot would be a remote, wilderness area’.
Part 4 of the survey asked the respondents about their values and opinions on conservation. There were three open
ended questions in this part of the survey.
Question 10
The first open ended question asked how important it was to the respondents that the area where they lived provides
places for a variety of native plants and animals, and why it is important or unimportant. There were 253 responses to
this question. 143 responses (57%) indicated that they thought it was very important or important. Many people (17%)
felt it was important to protect and set aside areas for native plants and animals and that is was important for future
generations. Many people expressed the importance of having a balance between nature and people/development and
there was concern about the increase in development and housing in the area with a perception that people and
development were forcing nature out. In particular they mentioned the loss of habitats, plants, wildlife and possible
extinctions.
Many people (8%) indicated that they liked living in the area and had chosen to live in the Thurgoona-Wirlinga area
because of the natural bushland/country feel and rural lifestyle that it offered. Some expressed the unique nature of the
area and that it differed from other areas and offered a place to live away from suburbia. Some people also said that it
was important to protect the plants and animals for their children to enjoy and an opportunity for their children to learn
about the biodiversity.
Some people also mentioned the personal benefits of living with and near nature including peace/tranquillity, relaxing
and calming and it made some people happy and gave them a lot of pleasure. Many people talked about the
enjoyment and benefit they got from seeing, hearing, feeding and interacting with wildlife, especially birds. Many of
these interactions were in their own gardens. They also expressed their pleasure in exploring and walking in bushland
areas. Some people mentioned that they were planting native tress and recognised the benefits of native plants in
terms of being drought resistant and needing less water than introduced species.
Question 11
The next open ended question asked the respondents about their understanding of the word ‘biodiversity’. They
question said: ‘A word that is often used when people talk about nature is ‘biodiversity’. Please describe in your own
words what the word ‘biodiversity’ means to you’. There were 200 responses to this question.
Nearly half (91 responses) of the respondents described biodiversity in terms of a range/variety/diversity of plants and
animals/living things. About 25% of the respondents suggested that biodiversity meant living in harmony, balance
and/or coexistence with plants and animals. A few suggested they thought it meant protecting the natural
environment/plants and animals, while others thought it meant living naturally or in an environmentally friendly way.
Nine percent of the respondents were not familiar with the word or had looked the word up on the Internet or in a
dictionary.
Question 12
There were 223 responses to this question though respondents could mention as many areas as they liked. This
finding indicates a high awareness of areas of biodiversity conservation.
Seventeen percent mentioned the importance of creeks, wetlands and dams, with 6% specifying Woolshed Creek and
some mentioning Seven/Eight/Nine Mile Creek. Twelve percent of the respondents mentioned the importance of the
green belts and wildlife corridors, while 11% mentioned the Thurgoona Golf Course and the area east and south of it,
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and 8% mentioned the Mitchell Park area and wetlands. Other areas mentioned by a number of respondents were
Corrys Wood and St John’s Hill, the area between Trinity Anglican College and the Freeway, Lake Hume area, Fairway
Gardens/Forest Drive area, Kerr’s Road/Thurgoona Drive, Corrys Road, Old Sydney Road and Tabletop Road,
roadside reserves/travelling stock routes, the area around the football oval/church, the Riverina Highway to the Hume
Dam, the Kinross area and the area north of it and the River Murray. A complete list of all areas mentioned can be
found in Appendix D.
Correlations
Data were analysed for correlations to determine potential relationships between demographic factors or one question
or question part with another. This analysis provided some insight into the survey internal validity through looking at a
few parts of Questions 1 and 2 that should be correlated, such as having participated in composting in the last week
and having a compost bin at your residence(0.84, p<0.01) and collected and used rainwater and having rainwater
tanks at the residence (0.78, p<0.01).
Looking at correlations by question reveals interesting information about environmental behaviours of residents of
Thurgoona and Wirlinga. Other studies have shown a correlation between environmental behaviours and connection
to nature measures, and this seems to be the case here as well with most of the behaviours for at least one of the
connection to nature scales (Mayer & Frantz, 2004; Nisbet, Zelenski & Murphy, 2009). Correlations seem to show that
older residents as well as residents with longer residence time and home owners are more likely to have compost bins
and to provide water for birds. Home owners and older residents were also more likely to plant native plants in their
garden. The high correlation between cat owners and those who actively restrain their cats at night indicates our
sample may be biased towards cat owners willing to put their cats in at night. Curiously, being in a family was
negatively correlated to providing water for birds and to planting native trees in the garden. Dog ownership was also
correlated with observing animals in the garden.
18
Table 5: Correlations for Question 1 with connection to nature and demographic information.
Country of
Birth
Education
Residence
Time
Rent vs
Own
Families
Dog
Owners
Cat Owners
Gender
1j: Donated to
conservation or
environmental
groups
1k: Volunteered
for conservation
or environmental
groups
1l: Collected and
used rainwater
Age
1i: Composted
NR
1a: Separated
garbage for
recycling
1b: Provided
water for birds
1c: Consciously
chose to walk /
cycle or take
public transport
to reduce
greenhouse
emissions
1d: Observed
birds in your
garden /
property.
1e: Observed
(non-pet)
animals in your
garden /
property.
1f: Actively
constrained your
cat(s) from
roaming at night
1g: Planted
native trees and
bushes in your
garden
1h: Saved
electricity
Question 1: In the past fortnight, have you participated in any of the following activities or
activity types? Please place a tick or cross the boxes for all your activities.
INS
Behaviour
0.02
0.09
-0.08
0
0.08
0.11
0
0.2
p<0.01
0.04
0.12
p<0.05
-0.04
0.19
p<0.01
0.25
p<0.01
0.33
p<0.01
-0.06
0.05
-0.16
p<0.01
0.26
p<0.01
0.15
p<0.05
-0.2
p<0.01
0.07
0.04
0.21
p<0.01
0.28
p<0.01
-0.07
0.02
0.05
0.04
-0.13
p<0.05
-0.09
-0.06
-0.02
-0.08
0.11
0.24
p<0.01
0.12
0
-0.03
-0.05
0.09
0.09
-0.06
0.02
-0.01
0.2
p<0.01
0.23
p<0.01
0.04
0.06
-0.08
-0.06
0.06
0.07
0.11
0.13
p<0.05
0.03
-0.1
-0.03
-0.09
0.05
-0.01
0.04
0.04
0.08
0.10
0.08
0.7
p<0.01
0.21
p<0.01
0.19
p<0.01
0.18
p<0.01
-0.05
0
-0.03
0.02
0.22
p<0.01
-0.13
p<0.05
0
0.04
0.09
0.10
0.07
-0.05
-0.02
-0.10
-0.08
0.02
-0.03
-0.04
0.01
0.28
p<0.01
0.31
p<0.01
0.14
p<0.05
-0.1
0.11
-0.05
0.12
p<0.05
0.28
p<0.01
-0.05
0.07
0.01
0.05
0.14
p<0.05
0.05
0.07
0.03
0
0
-0.03
0.03
-0.05
0.08
0.1
0.12
p<0.05
-0.03
0.01
0.06
0.1
0.02
-0.02
0.04
-0.04
-0.01
0.1
0.1
0.1
-0.05
-0.05
0.01
-0.09
0.09
0.02
0
-0.01
Question 2 correlations are similar, but this varies as this question dealt with the residence having tools and resources
available to participate in the behaviours. Residence time was positively correlated with having a shower timer,
vegetable garden, fruit trees, a compost bin or area and insulation in the ceiling and negatively correlated with
rainwater tanks. Home ownership was positively correlated with having solar electricity panels, vegetable garden, fruit
trees, a compost bin or area, and insulation in the ceiling. Older residents were more likely to have a water efficient
showerhead and to have insulation in the ceiling.
19
Table 6: Correlations with Question 2 and connection to nature and demographics.
NR
Age
Gender
Country
Education
Residence
Time
Rent vs
Own
Families
Dog
Owners
Cat
Owners
Question 2: Looking at the list below which, if any, of the following are in use where you
currently live? Please tick or cross the boxes that apply to you.
INS
Tools and Resource
Availability
2a: Rainwater tank(s)
0.11
0.07
0.05
-0.02
-0.07
0.04
-0.23
p<0.01
0.04
0.05
-0.01
0.02
2b: Water efficient
shower head
-0.02
-0.03
0.19
p<0.01
-0.03
-0.04
-0.24
p<0.01
-0.07
0.03
-0.18
p<0.01
0.01
-0.08
2c: Shower timer
0.01
0.01
0.04
0.05
0.06
-0.01
0.12
p<0.05
0.11
0.02
0.14
p<0.05
-0.03
2d: Solar hot water
system
0.06
0.01
-0.03
-0.02
-0.07
-0.03
-0.08
0.08
0.15
p<0.05
-0.08
0.11
2e: Solar electricity
panels
-0.02
0.03
-0.04
-0.03
0.02
0.01
0.03
0.21
p<0.01
0.06
0.07
0.01
2f: Vegetable garden
0.12
p<0.05
0.20
p<0.01
0.01
0.05
0.07
0.01
0.16
p<0.01
0.22
p<0.01
0.04
0.08
0.05
2g: Fruit trees
0
0.03
-0.07
-0.08
-0.04
0.05
0.21
p<0.01
0.16
p<0.01
0.08
0.07
0.18
p<0.01
2h: Australian plants
0.24
p<0.01
0.23
p<0.01
0.1
-0.05
-0.05
-0.05
0
0.1
-0.05
0.05
-0.02
2i: Compost bin/ area
0.14
p<0.05
0.19
p<0.01
0.04
-0.03
0.1
0
0.18
p<0.01
0.25
p<0.01
0
0.09
0.07
2j: Nest boxes
Mammals
-0.02
0.11
0.09
0.04
0.05
-0.04
0.01
0.05
-0.10
-0.08
0.07
2k: Nest boxes Birds
0.02
0.12
0.1
-0.06
0.05
-0.1
0.04
0.1
-0.07
-0.05
0.07
2l: Nest boxes Bats
-0.02
0.03
0.02
0.04
-0.15
p<0.05
-0.04
-0.04
0.02
-0.05
0.06
-0.03
2m: Energy-efficient
compact fluorescent
light globes
-0.07
0.05
0.1
0.03
0.02
0
0
0
-0.11
0.03
0.01
2n: Insulation in the
ceiling
0.11
0.1
0.14
p<0.01
-0.02
0.1
-0.04
0.17
p<0.01
0.24
p<0.01
0
0.12
0.06
Values and attitudes about environmental behaviours are reflected in the items from Question 3 in the survey (Table 7).
Age was positively correlated with positive attitudes towards composting, buying locally sourced food, buying locally
made products and water conservation. Being female was positively correlated with attitudes regarding low-water use
plantings. Time of residence in the area was negatively correlated with attitudes regarding buying locally sourced food,
buying organic food, buying locally made products and using transport other than a car. Being in a family was
negatively correlated with attitudes towards composting, buying locally sourced food and buying locally sourced
products.
20
NR
Age
Gender
Country
Education
Residence
Time
Rent vs
Families
Dog
Owners
Cat
Owners
3a: Recycling
0.16
p<0.05
0.19
p<0.01
0.09
0.1
0.01
0.02
0.02
0.12
-0.02
0.04
-0.08
3b: Composting
0.32
p<0.01
0.33
p<0.01
0.15
p<0.05
-0.01
0.01
0.04
-0.01
0.11
-0.12
p<0.05
-0.01
-0.03
3c: Growing some of
your own food
0.28
p<0.01
0.24
p<0.01
0
0.04
0
0.06
-0.04
0.12
-0.04
-0.04
-0.03
3d: Low-water use
planting
0.18
p<0.01
0.15
p<0.01
-0.01
0.13
p<0.05
0.03
0.03
0
0.01
0.01
0.09
-0.06
3e: Buying locally
sourced food
0.20
p<0.01
0.16
p<0.01
0.14
p<0.05
0.03
0.03
-0.02
-0.14
p<0.05
-0.03
-0.18
p<0.01
-0.07
-0.18
p<0.01
3f: Buying organic
food
0.26
p<0.01
0.34
p<0.01
0.04
0.08
-0.07
0.09
-0.14
p<0.05
-0.07
-0.01
-0.03
-0.15
p<0.05
3g: Buying locally
made products
0.12
0.11
0.18
p<0.01
0.02
0.12
-0.05
-0.13
p<0.05
-0.12
-0.27
p<0.01
-0.07
-0.15
p<0.05
3h: Water
conservation
0.11
0.12
p<0.05
0.13
p<0.05
0.02
0.02
0.02
-0.07
0.04
-0.1
0.08
-0.08
3i: Saving electricity
0.05
0.07
0.03
0.05
0.02
-0.03
-0.04
0.05
-0.01
0.12
-0.06
3j: Using transport
other than a car
0.28
p<0.01
0.34
p<0.01
-0.06
0.03
-0.04
0.11
-0.15
p<0.05
-0.03
0.06
-0.04
-0.08
Own
Attitudes
Question 3: For each of the following activities, please indicate how important each of these are
to you using the scale from 1 to 5, where 1 means you feel it is “very unimportant” and 5 means
you feel it is “very important”. Please circle on each line to indicate your level of agreement with
each item.
INS
Table 7: Correlations with Question 3 and connection to nature and demographics.
Knowledge correlates with connection to nature, and has a negative correlation with our sample to age and positively
with education and those who currently live with their children (Table 8).
Table 8: Question 5 correlation of knowledge with connection to nature and demographic data
INS
NR
Age
Gender
Country
Education
Residence
Time
Own or
Rent
Families
Dog
Owners
Cat
Owners
Question 5: How many different types of native birds do you think live in the Thurgoona and Wirlinga
area? Please tick or cross one of the boxes. (Options: Less than 10, 11-30, 31-100 & 101 or more)
As ranking 1-4
0.18
p<0.01
0.19
p<0.01
-0.13
p<0.05
-0.01
0.03
0.15
p<0.05
-0.07
-0.02
0.13
p<0.05
0.12
0.03
As either wrong
or right
0.11
0.15
p<0.05
-0.04
-0.02
0.01
0.10
0
-0.03
0
-0.01
0.01
Looking for influences on connection to nature by comparing to the demographic data reveals very few significant
influences on connection to nature by demographic variables (Table 9). Only age is slightly positively correlated to the
21
INS only, not the Nature Relatedness scale. There must be qualities beyond those studied in this survey that help to
illustrate how a person develops their connection to nature.
Table 9: Connection to nature related to demographic data available.
Age
Gender
Country
Education
Residence
Time
Own
or
Rent
Families
Dog
Owners
Cat
Owners
Q8: Inclusion of
Nature in Self
(INS)
0.15
p<0.05
-0.06
0.08
0
-0.08
0.07
-0.02
-0.03
-0.10
Q9: Nature
Relatedness
(Average)
0.07
0.03
0.02
0.03
-0.06
0.02
-0.05
0.04
-0.05
Interviews
Ten semi structured interviews were undertaken with self selecting residents. The length of time interviewees had lived
in the area varied from two years to 34 years. Six of the interviewees had lived in the area over ten years suggesting
that they are long term and committed residents who have a strong interest in the area.
When asked why they had moved to the area they all indicated that it was the rural and country feel, the trees and that
it was not “citified”. Several mentioned they had moved to the area for work reasons;
Here everything is close but still open – didn’t get the claustrophobic feeling of suburbia.
We liked the idea of being a little way of the hurley-burley ...
We wanted to move to Albury but we didn’t want to go to the urban area that’s downtown. We like the look of
out here ...
Thurgoona was a bit more like semi-rural area at the time whereas Albury had cars going up and down all the
time and established old red-brick houses and we wanted something newer. So we moved out here.
The reasons why they thought others moved to the area were similar – the country feel (trees, open space) and a few
mentioned that the large block size attracted some people. A few interviewees mentioned that the area was convenient
to work and other facilities in the Albury and Lavington area;
Young families with schooling, shops, sporting facilities. Everything is so close. I like to think they come
because of the environment: the trees and the open spaces. Looking at it realistically, they come because of
supermarkets and doctors. I would like to think they come because of the surrounding environment, who
knows.
All the new housing estates are coming out this way. It’s where all the land is being released now. I think that’s
what’s bringing them out here, plus you have the services out here now, the schools.
22
I think exactly the same reasons [that we moved here], the plot sizes for the houses are a really good size;
there’s plenty of open space. People say it’s got a rural feel about it. It still does in spots, but not quite what I’m
used to. It’s got space and it’s still an open area.
Many of the interviewees noted though that the semi rural/country feel of the area was changing with increased
development and in some cases new residents were moving in who they thought did not care about the natural
environment, in the same way they did;
Of course things have changed – that’s progress for you. I’m not anti-progress but I’m hoping that someone is
looking after the basic philosophy behind Thurgoona.
Look, it’s similar [to 20 years ago] but obviously there’s a lot more estates now. It still does, it still has that
[bush] feel about it, I think.
It’s close to Albury – you’ve got country but you’ve got a lot of what the big cities have – the shops. Got the
facilities close by – 8 kms ... and the countryside. But that will change once Thurgoona expands and that will be
the downside of Thurgoona expansion.
Asked why they thought survey respondents had indicated that biodiversity needs to be protected for future
generations they indicated they thought it was necessary to protect biodiversity or it will disappear and it is important
for future generations to have plants and animals;
I think we need to care, we won’t be here but we should care about the people who will come.
Every now and then I get this horrible feeling that my grandchildren’s’ children, the only tree they’ll ever get to
see will be in a museum.
In the last 50 odd years it all started to dwindle away so I would like it all to go back to the way it was when I
was a boy. In my opinion we can’t keep on doing what we are doing now. Else in another 50 years time, it won’t
be there to do anymore. We have to reassess what we do now and take a step backwards and start protecting
else we won’t have anything left to protect.
If we don’t save it now it won’t be there. I have a lot of instances where I’ve seen things gone and I think: ‘why
didn’t I do something about that, I didn’t believe that they would go ahead and do that’. I think the whole world’s
doomed anyway, from an environmental point of view.
They were asked why they thought survey respondents said it was important to have areas to protect biodiversity and
how could areas best be set aside. They all agreed that areas needed to be set aside to protect biodiversity. They
suggested that areas could be protected using a range of mechanisms including reserves, green buffer zones, wildlife
corridors;
We’re wasting our time unless we can get planners on side. We all have our views on things but nothing
happens unless you get the people who make the decisions to think the same way. Sometimes money dictates
what you do.
23
People follow the dollar and don’t necessarily do what’s right. If people who make decisions could be made to
see that the environment is important, that would be a plus. And that we’re willing to spend the money in order
to do that.
I do agree with that. If we don’t, wants going to happen is that they’ll just keep expanding Thurgoona so what
will happen is that those animals and birds and little wildlife that most people don’t notice, they’ll be gone.
I think the Council has a lot to do with that. The Council has got to stop subdividing.
You need to have those preserved spaces and spread out from there, create corridors for them that are a
decent size, not those little things.
Asked if they knew of any organisations that are involved in protecting biodiversity, four interviewees said they were not
aware of any organisations. Some people mentioned Albury City but some commented that the Council needs to listen
to resident’s voices and that the Council is too focused on development and the financial benefits of development.
Other organisations mentioned included the Lands Department, Crown Lands, Albury Parklands, Slopes2Summit,
Federal and State governments and Landcare. Some suggested that governments had vested interests and there was
a need to get government involved and some leadership was needed;
They were asked about the role of Albury Council with regards to the issue of conservation and development.
I don’t have a lot of good things to say about this. In some parts, they are pretty good. You have to listen to
everybody and everybody comes in with a different angle.
They’re quick to put up houses and car parks because there’s money in it. No money in saving wildlife
unfortunately.
I don’t think their role is good enough in Thurgoona. They are more head up with what’s going on in Albury with
things like spending more money for the Art Gallery...
Asked if there was a way of balancing development and conservation half the interviewees mentioned the need to set
aside and protect natural areas through reserves, zoning, greenbelts and corridors and protecting endangered species.
Several interviewees said they thought it was possible to achieve a balance through education;
I do because they’ll get used to having, well especially the birds get used to having people around. I think if the
people just do their little bit to look after the animals it will balance itself out. I think simple things like keeping
the cats out of the garden and baiting the foxes every now and then.
Yeah, I do with education. I don’t think they [development companies] do know.
No. Because it’s the almighty dollar all the time, isn’t it?
24
When asked how they felt about the projected increase in population in the area most of the interviewees thought the
projection was an unrealistic projection and a “silly idea”, a few were unhappy about it and one felt resigned to the
increased population. Some said that if the population increased there was a need for more infrastructure and
planning. Only three interviewees were aware of the Albury City plans for expansion in the area;
Not happy, like I said before. We moved for here for a lifestyle change. And where I live we have empty land
behind us which eventually will be subdivided but I don’t know why they want to come out to Thurgoona, there’s
other places they can go to.
Very unrealistic. Gone from making it look like a nice little suburb/town to making it look just like anywhere else
That’s a lot of people. I think it’s too much. Yeah, it’s too much. It’s just going to be all pushed out and pushed
to its limits. We have enough trouble with cats at the moment. No, I don’t think you can sustain that. I don’t
think this area can support that many people because, we might be able to fit the houses in but all the services
are lacking and the biodiversity will suffer.
When they were asked what they thought they as individuals or others could do to get involved in conservation
activities, half of the interviewees were not sure what they can/should be doing at an individual level. Some
interviewees mentioned planting trees, getting involved in endangered species programs (squirrel glider, regent
honeyeater), volunteering, signing petitions, complaining to the Council, being more vocal and the channelling
concerns through existing organisations such as the Thurgoona Progress Association;
Not a lot an individual can do in this day and age. Gotta do it through recognised organisations, like councils
Probably not, depending if their land isn’t big enough. From what I can see of some of the estates, they don’t
have any gardens. They’re not going to get the wildlife into their gardens, but they probably don’t care either.
There’s a Regent Honeyeater project around here. And I think that’s been a wonderful saviour for the local
area. And that was a campaign that was hugely successful that was brought on by the community.
Yeah, there is. They can plant some native plants in their garden that will help the native birds in a time where
there other food might be hard to find.
Interviewees were asked what conservation activities they were currently involved in. Three mentioned recycling and
others mentioned providing water and food for native birds on their blocks, installing nest boxes and attending the
Thurgoona planning meetings;
We do what we can. Recycle, nesting boxes, water for birds all the time, feed the birds but not to have them
reliant.
I’ve tried to do as much as I can like sorting the rubbish – there’s not enough recycling in the district because
the stuff that goes in the hole, we should be able to recycle.
25
And I take a bag when I go walking and when I see rubbish around the reserve I do a rubbish run. I suppose
that’s about it – ride my bike as often as possible and use the car as little as possible
All the interviewees were asked if they had any other comments they wanted to make about this topic. Half of the
interviewees expressed strong opinions on the problems associated with cats;
I know cats provide a lot of comfort for a lot of older people, but maybe they should keep them indoors. I don’t
know what they do with them I just find them destructive. “I do a lot of walking in national parks and I talk to
rangers and they’re tearing their hair out because of cats”
I hate cats. They always kill the birds.
Last words from one interviewee: We all need to be very conscious of the future, biodiversity and everything. Otherwise
in the future we’ll have a planet of houses and nothing else. ... we have to be careful with what we do and how we do it.
Discussion
The following discussion is based on the survey and interview data and summarises the key findings from this study.
Who were the people we surveyed and interviewed?
The survey sample was biased towards older, female residents who did not have their children living at home with
them. This high number of female respondents reflects previous research that demonstrates that women are generally
more concerned about the environment than men (MacGregor, 2006). This sample may not be representative of the
area’s population and of newer residents in Thurgoona and Wirlinga since 2011 who have families, though our
percentage of families with children is very similar to the 2011 Census numbers (ABS, 2011a; ABS, 2011b). Many of
the respondents (67%) have lived in Thurgoona and Wirlinga for more than 5 years and about 4 out of 5 own their
residence. Respondents self-selected to be a part of the interview group while completing the survey. Interview
participants may have been more inclined to care about environmental issues than other residents due to this self
selection.
Why do they live in Thurgoona and Wirlinga?
The survey results and interviews indicated that many people enjoyed living in the area and had chosen to live in the
Thurgoona and Wirlinga area because of the natural bushland/country feel and rural lifestyle that it offered. Some
expressed the unique nature of the area and that it differed from other areas surrounding Albury and offered a place to
live away from suburbia. However, the interviews indicated that people are concerned about the increasing
development in the area and some did not know about the projected increase in development in the area.
What conservation behaviours are they involved in?
Both the survey data and interviews suggest that these people have high participation rates and support conservation
behaviours. The majority were involved in recycling which is a ‘regulated’ behaviour, however, even with more optional
behaviours such as observing birds in their garden and providing water for birds there was still high participation rates.
The results suggest these people are involved in conservation behaviours at home and in their own gardens but are
less interested or lack the knowledge to act beyond their own homes for example joining or supporting local
conservation groups, volunteering, donating or other forms of community action. This was supported by the interview
26
data which indicated that people were concerned about conservation and biodiversity but did not know what to do or
where to express their concerns (a lack of individual agency). Buying organic food and using transportation other than
a car were considered the least important environmental behaviours. The former behaviour could be a result of the
perceived higher prices of organic food and lack of availability. The latter behaviour could be due to a reliance on cars
given the poor public transport in Thurgoona.
In addition to participating in many conservation behaviours they also indicated that they used or had installed many
conservation tools and resources in their homes. Items such as insulation and energy efficient compact fluorescent
globes and planting native plants were positively correlated with house ownership, length of residence in the area and
older residents. Interestingly given that many people observed birds in their garden and gave them water the number of
people who had nest boxes was very low.
Renters were significantly less likely to engage in certain conservation behaviours: recycling, providing water for
wildlife, planting natives and composting. They were also significantly less likely to have conservation tools or
resources at their residence, including solar electricity panels, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, compost bins and
insulation in the ceiling. However, when looking at knowledge, attitudes and connection to nature, renters were not
significantly different than those who own their own home. These findings may also reflect the positive correlation
between residence time in the current home and home ownership (0.38, p<0.01), as many renters are short-term
residents and unlikely to invest in solar electricity panels or fruit trees. Renters were also younger, with home
ownership correlating to age (0.20, p<0.01). Planting a vegetable garden and having a compost bin are also unlikely
for short-term or rental residents, which may not be due to a lack of interest but instead lack of willingness to make an
investment in a property they do not own or fear of losing a rental deposit. This finding could present opportunities for
landlords to make small investments or support their tenants in rental properties by permitting such activities as
planting native vegetation or fruit trees or setting aside space for compost bins or vegetable gardens. This group of
renters could take advantage of these resources and may even prefer those types of properties when choosing a rental
property.
Participant’s connection to nature seemed to be correlated with many of their conservation behaviours and also their
attitudes towards different behaviours, but was correlated to less of the conservation behaviour tools or resources.
This latter finding could be due to lack of knowledge to install different items at home or lack of funding could be
preventing some conservation behaviour tools or resources such as solar electricity panels.
What are their opinions, values and attitudes?
There were almost no significant correlations between connection to nature and any of the demographic factors,
demonstrating that across this group, connection to nature was at a similar level regardless of education, gender,
country of birth or family status. Age was significantly correlated to the INS scale, indicating that there could be some
differences between older residents feeling more connected to nature than those that are younger. As there is some
evidence that connection to nature is developed when a person is young (<12 years old) it could be important for more
environmental programs to be offered in some of the natural land in the area for school aged children (Ernst &
Theimer, 2011; Wells & Lekies, 2006). Survey respondents noted the value they gain from the peacefulness, calm and
tranquillity that nature provides to them, suggesting this group is connected to nature and assigns value to the
tranquillity that nature provides. Through the interviews and survey open-ended responses it was also noted that
participants place a high value on nature to be projected for future generations to enjoy. These values suggest that
opportunities for nature walks or experiences outdoors with children or grandchildren might be appreciated by the local
community.
27
Over half of the survey respondents thought it was very important or important that the area where they lived provides
places for a variety of native plants and animals, a finding supported by the interviews. 17% of survey respondents and
all the interviewees felt it was important to protect and set aside areas for native plants and animals and that is was
important for future generations. Some people said that it was important to protect the plants and animals for their
children and grandchildren to enjoy and learn about the biodiversity. The need for education of children about
biodiversity and conservation was mentioned by some survey respondents and interviewees, suggesting opportunities
for school based education and outreach programs for school aged children or families.
The survey results and interviews indicate that many people thought that it was important to have a balance between
nature and people/development yet there were concerns expressed about the increase in development in the area and
that it was forcing nature out, with mention of loss of habitats, plants and wildlife. The interviewees felt the proposed
increase in population was unrealistic with some expressing concern and indicating that if the population did expand
careful planning was needed. The interviewees generally did not hold positive feelings about Albury City and felt the
council was too development focussed and had strong financial interests. Most of the interviewees did not know of any
conservation organisations particularly in the local area, though some mentioned Albury City.
Some of the survey respondents mentioned the personal and wellbeing benefits of living with and/or near nature
particularly interacting with wildlife in their own gardens. These attitudes and feelings were supported by the connection
to nature results that showed they felt more connected to nature than disconnected.
Cats were an issue mentioned in both the survey and the interviews. People generally held strong views about the
damage caused by cats to native animals and birds. Cats seemed to be implicated by many survey respondents and
interviewees as responsible for the destruction of native wildlife and birds. In our survey, we found that owning a cat
was correlated with the behaviour of restraining the cat at night (0.70, p<0.01), and about 67% of cat owners indicated
they restrained their cat(s) at night. It is possible our data reflect more of the residents of Thurgoona and Wirlinga who
would be more likely to restrain their cats, as there seemed to be large numbers of free-roaming cats in the
neighbourhoods.
What is their conservation knowledge level?
The results indicate that the people were generally highly knowledgeable about conversation and biodiversity in the
area. This is illustrated by the bird and animals that people observed in their gardens, their knowledge of native and
non-native plants and animals and landscape features beneficial to wildlife. They were less knowledgeable about the
total number of birds in the area. They were highly knowledgeable about birds and native plants in particular.
Knowledge of the numbers of birds living in the area was significantly correlated to connection to nature as well as
education level and being in a family with children in the home. Age was negatively correlated, meaning older people
in the sample were less likely to know the number of bird species that live in this area. Perhaps school children are
educating their parents about these issues or those with higher levels of education answering the survey were already
inclined to have greater environmental knowledge.
Overall, participants had a high level of knowledge of the native species and endangered or threatened species living
in the area, particularly the Squirrel Glider and the Regent Honeyeater, suggesting that existing education programs
have increased some people’s awareness of these species. However, some of the less well known threatened species
were confusing for some respondents e.g. Sloane’s Froglet and Swift Parrot. The people demonstrated a high level of
knowledge of native plants though nearly half did not know if hawthorn and broom were native or introduced species.
28
Many of the survey respondents appeared to understand the basic concept of the term biodiversity though 9% were not
familiar with the term suggesting there is still room for education programs and activities to increase residents’
understanding of the concept. Finally, many of the survey respondents identified a range of areas that they thought
were important for biodiversity though most generally mentioned the importance of creeks, wetlands, dams, green belts
and wildlife corridors, rather than specific locations. The survey data indicated a low awareness of the value of
roadside vegetation. However, there seemed a high level of awareness and knowledge of areas of biodiversity
importance in the area among the survey respondents.
Recommendations
These recommendations are presented based on the discussion as potential interventions that could possibly increase
the knowledge and/or attitudes towards or acts of conservation behaviour in the Thurgoona and Wirlinga area.
Education

Education of children - opportunities for school based education programs and well as outreach activities for
school aged children or families.

Education programs and activities could be used to increase residents’ understanding of the concept of
biodiversity.

Educational workshops or give-aways of conservation tools such as compost bins might support more residents
to participate in certain conservation behaviours.

Education interventions or communication programs to promote the status of threatened species such as
Sloane’s Froglet and the Swift Parrot.

Cats - public education programs and the introduction of a Council policy to keep cats in at night would address
this issue to some extent.
Backyard Actions

Develop and distribute guidelines to residents on how to attract and support biodiversity on their properties. A
simple ‘what can I do in my backyard to help protect native plants and animals’ (see Lindenmayer, 2011).

The use and installation of bird and bat nest boxes could be promoted by ACC. Subsidies for the boxes as well
as workshops on how to install boxes correctly could be promoted.

Low donation and volunteering rates suggest that ACC could tap into these people who are concerned and
highly knowledgeable people.

Educational and financial support for landlords and renting populations to install conservation tools and
resources into the rental properties.
Promotion of ACC and Resident Ideas

Low donation and volunteering rates suggest that ACC could tap into these people who are concerned and
highly knowledgeable people. Perhaps holding events that target families with children might help to recruit
new types of volunteers. Any event should be planned with small landholders and renters in mind to tap into
the potential these residents hold.
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
Promotion of the Albury Conservation Company and other local conservation organisations to encourage
participation and engagement with local residents.

The list of areas the survey respondents thought were important for biodiversity can be used by ACC to target
and identify areas for permanent protection or purchase.
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Appendix A: Survey Instrument
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
Appendix B: Survey covering letter
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Appendix C Interview Questions
Biodiversity interview questions
Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed and thank you for completing the survey and sending it back to us.
We got about 300 completed surveys which is about 15% of the Thurgoona and Wirlinga households. Firstly
we need to just do some paper work for our ethics committee – to ensure that you are happy to do this
interview. Please can you read the Information Sheet – which you can keep and if you are happy with that –
please can you sign the Informed Consent Form. We will be audio taping the interview so can capture the
entire interview – is that ok? We would like you to be honest in answering the questions and there are no
right or wrong answers. Thank you for your time. First of all I’d like to ask you...
1. How long have you been living in Thurgoona?
2. What do you do – job wise?
3. Why did come and live in Thurgoona?
4. Why do you think most people come to live in Thurgoona?
5. In the survey a lot of people said that we need to protect native plants and animals – (the
biodiversity) - for future generations. Why do you think people talked about the importance of
protecting biodiversity for future generations? Why do you think this is important to some people?
6. In the survey, a lot of people also said they thought having areas to protect for a variety of native
plants and animals was important. Do you agree with that? Why do you think it’s important to set
aside areas to protect biodiversity? How do you think we can best set aside areas to protect native
plants and animals?
7. Are there any organisations that you know that could help protect areas for biodiversity? What about
the role of the Council?
8. Do you think there is a way of balancing development and protecting the biodiversity in Thurgoona? If
so how do you think we can do that? Prompt: global, national, regional levels?
9. The population of Thurgoona is projected to increase to 50,000 over the next 50 years (it’s currently
about 6,000). How do you feel about this? You’ve / you’ve not mentioned the impact of this proposed
development on the biodiversity of the area. How do you feel about that?
10. We’ve talked quite a bit about the impact of development on the biodiversity – do you think there is
anything you can do – say at home or work? If so, what? If not, why not? Can you give me some
examples of what you could do? What about others – what do you think they can do?
11. Is there anything else that you would like to mention about these issues?
Thank you very much for your time I really appreciate it. If you are interested in finding out about the results
of this study we will be putting an article in the Border Mail later in the year.
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Appendix D: List of areas of high conservation importance indentified by survey
respondents in Question 12
Presented in no particular order of importance.
Thurgoona golf course
Hume and Hovell Track
Corry’s Wood and St John’s Hill
North east Thurgoona
The Elms/Kensington Gardens and Riverina Highway
Thurgoona Road (east)
Hume Highway and behind Trinity Anglican College
Elizabeth Mitchell Drive (north)
Area around Lake Hume
Red Hills
Fairway Gardens Road
South Corry’s Wood
Forest Drive/Fairway Gardens
Kywong
Thurgoona Drive and Kerr’s Road
Dead trees
Woolshed Creek
St Hillarie
Top of Corry’s Road
Dunne Crescent
Old Sydney Road and Tabletop Road
Catholic Church
Thurgoona Regent Honeyeater area and Wattlebird
Reserve
Riverina TAFE
Crown Land
Freeway/roadside reserves
Dams, creeks, wetlands
Corridors, buffer zones, green belts
Thurgoona Public School and Earnest Grant Park
Dryandra Way
Somerset Park Estate
Freeway to Ettamogah
Thurgoona Park
Need an underpass from Springdale Heights and
corridor to Jindera
CSU area and wetlands
Riverina Highway to weir
Bowna
Mitchell Park and wetlands/corridors
Paddock area/creek around and next to the Thurgoona
football club
St John’s Road
Eight/Nine/Seven Mile Creek
Hawksview
Hawks view to Thurgoona
North and behind the Kinross
Travelling stock routes (Sliders Avenue/Catherine
Crescent)
Opposite Thurgoona Plaza and retirement village
Tree plantations on Tabletop Road
Knobles Road
Kerr’s Road and Hartigan Street
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